Prairie-built disc kit helps canola growers manage seed spacing and singulation
Despite the recent flurry of interest in turning old corn planters into dedicated canola planters, most farmers are limited by cost and availability of the necessary parts. But the efforts of two farmers from Lettlier, Man., may soon change that. Their Red River Valley (RRV) Canola Disc is a relatively low-cost kit that converts old […] Read moreCrop Management — page 527
Take your canola straight
Early reports last fall suggested that straight cutting canola is a viable strategy for most growers. And with the right tools, the process can provide significant economic advantages. As the data continues to come in and be evaluated, it appears producers should consider putting canola swaths behind them in a new way. Last fall, Chris […] Read more
High tunnels help growers harvest year-round
In the right greenhouse, some cold-hardy vegetables can be grown in winter without additional heating
ORILLIA, Ont. — High tunnels are not just about extending the growing season for market gardeners. In latitudes where the sunlight allows, some are now harvesting crops year round with no supplemental heat. Adam Montri operates Ten Hen Farms at a latitude of 42.8 degrees north in central Michigan with his family. He is also […] Read more
ReCon crushes stems to keep in moisture
Re-conditioners help forage growers get the most from their crops
FARGO, N.D. — Some hay farmers count the days between cutting and baling. Serious forage producers, such as dairy farmers, count the hours. A grower who bales 48 hours sooner stands to gain $67 per ton, or $17.50 per acre, on hay quality, says Dan Undersander of Wisconsin State University, a frequent speaker at Manitoba […] Read more
Risk management starts with crop choice
Prairie producers have few choices that will generate profit for the upcoming crop year. However, a lot of math and phone calls and a little polishing of the crystal ball can deliver a plan for cropping choices that might put some black back in the pen. Manitoba Agriculture released its profitability analysis for the year […] Read more
Dairy producer sees better performance with farm’s own hay
Alberta farmer says re-conditioner boosted both hay quality and butterfat content produced by dairy cows
Butterfat content from Jim Harper’s dairy cows increased from 3.8 percent in 2013 to a highly profitable 4.2 percent last year when he fed them hay treated with his new ReCon 400. Dairy farmers make money on butterfat, and butterfat numbers like those at Harper’s Rose City Dairy near Camrose make other farmers stand up […] Read more
Wildfongs combine business with family
Saskatchewan farmers who operated Harvest Services release new concave for Deere STS
REGINA — A family with a storied history making replacement combine concaves and parts is back in the business after a 19 year hiatus. Rick Wildfong’s family began building concaves and other combine parts in the early 1980s. Last fall’s release of a new, high-wear concave for Deere STS machines brought another generation of Wildfongs […] Read moreGrowth regulator no silver bullet for lodging
A new plant growth regulator is not going to solve all wheat-lodging problems in Western Canada, says an Alberta Agriculture agronomist. Engage Agro’s Manipulator was registered in 2014 and can be used on wheat crops in Canada this year. Like other plant growth regulators, it shortens and strengthens plant stems and makes crops less likely […] Read more
Planning for next year starts now
Preparing a cost of production worksheet for the farm is one of the most rewarding New Year’s resolutions that producers can make. Grain farmers, with whom I am most acquainted, will find this information invaluable when making decisions. Templates are available that can prepare a cost of production worksheet for each crop and each field. […] Read more
Cost of production matters for 2015
Production Matters Column: Opinion Prairie producers have few choices that will grow true profits for the 2015/16 crop year. A lot of math, phone calls and a little polishing of a crystal ball can deliver a plan for some cropping choices that might put some black in the pen in the coming season. Last week […] Read more
